Kindergarten 1 (starting from age 3):
Learning without time pressure or performance expectations. Creativity, a caring atmosphere and social learning are the most important aspects. It’s an opportunity for development through imitation and participation. Children will engage in various activities that focus on rhyming songs, poems, stories and fairy tales that are age appropriate. Children are encouraged to talk about everyday topics in simple language. Parents are asked to stay in the classroom during lessons to help their children settle and feel secure in their new learning environment.
Kindergarten 2 (approx. age 4 - 5):
The focus of this stage is learning through play with songs, rhymes, language- and social games. We learn with all our senses: Instruments, arts and crafts as well as games are used to illustrate language alongside simple worksheets. Children can be accompanied by their parents in the beginning, and can attend independently at a later point in the year.
Vorschule (approx. age 5 - 6):
At this stage children are introduced to German phonics and the alphabet alongside key words to expand on their vocabulary. In the first half of each lesson we work on the alphabet throughout the year. We look at it in a different order so that we can start building easy words to begin with, adding to it every lesson. In the second half we work on different subjects throughout the year by using arts and crafts, reading and watching stories, singing, playing games and lots of other fun ways.
Klasse A1 (approx. age 6 - 7):
Children are encouraged to speak freely based on their individual skillset. They read short sentences and decipher difficult words to build curiosity for reading and writing. Vocabulary will be expanded through targeted worksheets, reading stories and participating in Show & Tell exercises.
Klasse A2 (approx. age 7 - 8):
Children are able to further develop their social competencies by working together. They extend their understanding of written as well as phonetic language. They are encouraged to formulate simple sentences to learn about grammatical structures
Klasse B1- Two year stay (approx. age 8 - 10):
Children learn the first 200 words of the basic vocabulary and later expand on this. They focus to strengthening their skills in their understanding of spoken as well as written language, especially regarding syllables, grammar and free speaking. Resources and materials used for this class correspond to the curriculum of German primary schools for year 1 and 2.
Klasse B2 - Two year stay (approx. age 9 - 11):
Students focus on building their reading and listening skills, free speaking, creative writing as well as building their vocabulary. Topics include culture and traditions of German speaking countries, making connections and logical deductions to encourage confidence and risk-taking attitudes. In more detail, the curriculum includes:
- Understanding complex text
- Understanding characters and plot in stories
- Establishing their spelling skills
- Using grammar regarding verbs, adjectives and building sentences
- A short presentation and written essay to a chosen topic
- Enhancing vocabulary to everyday topics
Klasse C - Two year stay (approx. age 10 - 12):
Building upon and expanding existing knowledge of spelling and grammar, such as verbs, adjectives and syntax. Topics aim to increase students' vocabulary on everyday subjects as well as general knowledge and students will give a short presentation/write a short essay on a chosen subject.
Klasse D - Two year stay (approx. age 13 - 15):
Focus of this stage is on free speaking and elaborating on opinions, creative writing and expansion on vocabulary. Students are encouraged to draw conclusions and make connections, understand culture of German speaking countries and feel more confident in their use of language alongside their enhanced understanding in reading and listening skills. 3 - 4 months are specifically tailored to GCSE preparation and additional fees apply as an extra teacher is hired.
Klasse AS - Two year stay (approx. age 15 - 17)
(Entry requirement to this grade is passing GCSE level with a grade of 7-9): The main focus is based on creative writing, free speaking, expanding on reading and listening skills through various exercises including film analysis. Topics include understanding culture of German speaking countries and students are encouraged to draw conclusions and make connections to build confidence in their German language skills.
A2 - an extension of AS including topics such as immigration, racism, politics, EU and individual research project and a book analysis. AS and A2 level are useful to either boost students' UCAS points or can be seen as an additional A-Level subject when applying for University.
